Feed the Future Initiative
Stored: Feed the Future Initiative
| Type | Initiative |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | United States Agency for International Development |
| Top Organization | Department of State |
| Creation Legislation | Global Food Security Act of 2016 |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | The Feed the Future Initiative addresses global hunger and food insecurity by supporting agricultural development in partner countries. It aims to reduce poverty, hunger, and malnutrition while fostering resilience and sustainable economic growth worldwide. |
| Program Start | 2010 |
| Initial Funding | $3.5 billion over three years |
| Duration | Ongoing |
| Historic | No |
Feed the Future Initiative (FTF) is the United States government’s global hunger and food security initiative, led by the Department of State through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), addressing the root causes of poverty and hunger by enhancing agricultural productivity and nutrition in over 20 target countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Launched in response to the 2007-2008 global food price crisis, it has since expanded to combat emerging challenges like climate change and conflict, lifting 23.4 million people out of poverty and reaching 3.4 million children with improved nutrition by 2025, while fostering partnerships with governments, private sectors, and civil society.[1]
Goals
- Reduce poverty by 20 percent in targeted areas through inclusive, agriculture-led economic growth.[2]
- Decrease stunting among children under five by 20 percent in operational zones via improved nutrition interventions.
- Strengthen resilience to climate, economic, and conflict-related shocks in vulnerable communities.
Organization
The Feed the Future Initiative was spearheaded by USAID under the Department of State, coordinating efforts across 12 U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, Treasury, and Peace Corps, to leverage expertise in agriculture, finance, and capacity building.[3] Funding primarily stems from Congressional appropriations, supplemented by private sector investments and partner country contributions, with USAID’s Deputy Coordinator for Development overseeing interagency strategy and implementation. Governance aligns with country-led priorities, ensuring local ownership and sustainability.
The leader of the program at the Department of State level is the Special Envoy for Global Food Security, currently Dr. Cary Fowler (as of February 19, 2025).
Partners
- Department of State
- Department of Agriculture
- United States Agency for International Development
- Peace Corps
History
The Feed the Future Initiative was established in 2010 following President Barack Obama’s pledge at the 2009 G8 Summit to combat global hunger, formalized under the Global Food Security Act of 2016, which codified its whole-of-government approach.[4] Triggered by the 2007-2008 food price spikes, it initially targeted 19 countries, expanding to 27 by 2022 to address evolving crises like COVID-19 and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Key milestones include the 2021 strategy refresh to tackle climate change and equity, with sustained bipartisan support ensuring its growth. As of 2025, it continues to adapt, emphasizing resilience and local innovation.
Funding
Initial funding in 2010 was $3.5 billion over three years, pledged by President Obama, with funding beginning that year and continuing through annual Congressional appropriations.[5] By FY 2023, the broader program received over $1 billion annually, unlocking $28 billion in agricultural sales by 2025, supplemented by private sector and multilateral contributions like the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP). There is no set end date, with funding renewed yearly and a $5 billion commitment from 2021-2026 reinforcing its scope.
Implementation
The initiative was implemented through country-led plans, targeting smallholder farmers—especially women—with technical assistance, research, and market development, coordinated by USAID and local partners.[6] It operates in phases, with the 2022-2026 strategy focusing on 20 countries, using innovation labs and climate-smart agriculture to enhance food systems. There is no defined end date, as it adapts annually to global needs.
Related
- Global Agriculture and Food Security Program
- Conservation Reserve Program
- Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program
External links
- https://www.feedthefuture.gov/
- https://www.usaid.gov/feed-future - USAID Feed the Future overview
- https://www.gafspfund.org/ - Global Agriculture and Food Security Program
- wikipedia:Feed the Future Initiative
Social media
References
- ↑ "Feed the Future Initiative," Feed the Future, https://www.feedthefuture.gov/about/, accessed February 19, 2025.
- ↑ "U.S. Government Global Food Security Strategy 2022-2026," USAID, https://www.usaid.gov/document/us-government-global-food-security-strategy-2022-2026, accessed February 19, 2025.
- ↑ "Feed the Future Partners," Feed the Future, https://www.feedthefuture.gov/about/, accessed February 19, 2025.
- ↑ "Feed the Future History," USAID, https://www.usaid.gov/feed-future/history, accessed February 19, 2025.
- ↑ "Feed the Future Initiative," Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feed_the_Future_Initiative, accessed February 19, 2025.
- ↑ "Feed the Future Strategy," USAID, https://www.usaid.gov/feed-future/strategy, accessed February 19, 2025.